Global insurance M&A reportedly at highest level in four years

Insurance Business Magazine | August 02, 2019

A new report by Clyde & Co found that the level of global insurance industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has increased considerably in recent times. According to Clyde & Co’s Insurance Growth Report, there were 222 completed M&A deals worldwide in the first half of 2019 up from 196 in the second half of 2018. This represents a 13% increase in M&A deals – the highest increase in the volume of transactions since the first half of 2015. The figure also represents the fourth consecutive six-month period of M&A growth. While the report found that the Americas was the most active region for M&A, with 93 recorded deals, it was Europe that reported the biggest increase in M&A activity – a 40% increase in M&A with 88 completed deals in H1 2019 compared to 64 in H2 2018. Of the European countries, France was leading in terms of insurance M&A activity and the second most active worldwide just behind the US. France is then followed by the UK and Spain.

Spotlight

While it might sometimes feel like a very settled market, motor insurance is changing as consumers’ needs change. A combination of the social and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, inflationary forces and increased public concern about the environment are altering the way many U.K. consumers use their cars. One consequence of these changes is growing interest in non-annualised policies (NAPs) for motor insurance.

Spotlight

While it might sometimes feel like a very settled market, motor insurance is changing as consumers’ needs change. A combination of the social and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, inflationary forces and increased public concern about the environment are altering the way many U.K. consumers use their cars. One consequence of these changes is growing interest in non-annualised policies (NAPs) for motor insurance.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Topa Insurance Company with Exavalu Enhances Agent Experience

Exavalu and Topa Insurance Company | February 06, 2023

Topa, an insurance company, has recently announced its implementation of Exavalu's digital engagement platform for agents to enhance the productivity and experience of insurance agents and increase its business growth. In addition, it will provide a user-friendly interface with quick quote generation, eligibility checks for multiple lined businesses, and first notice of loss (FNOL) features. With a history of about 30 years, Topa Insurance Company specializes in casual and commercial property insurance, serving quality products to managing general agents (MGAs), general agents, and wholesale brokers. Exavalu, a leading digital and advisory insurance solutions provider, integrates with different insurance platforms, rating engines, and third-party services, supporting insurance agents and policyholders. With its build on Amazon Web Services (AWS), it integrates with Topa's Guidewire InsuranceNow system through MuleSoft AnyPoint's application programming interface (API) gateway, offering necessary tools to enhance productivity. Global Insurance Solutions and Delivery Leader at Exavalu, Goutam Kanjilal, said, "Exavalu's Digital Engagement Platform offers insurers a modern and intuitive portal to engage with their agents and customers through flexible and feature-rich agent and customer portals. We are delighted to partner with Topa to provide exceptional digital experiences for its agents." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Exavalu Exavalu, a digital transformation advisory and solutions provider in the insurance industry, partners with top insurance companies, InsurTechs, TPAs, and MGAs worldwide by combining technology with insurance knowledge to automate the business of insurers' clients. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, it has been building long-term relationships with clients and companies through innovation since 2018. It specializes in Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, ERP, GDPR, CCPA, business and technology strategy, technological solutions, innovation, strategic advisory, data privacy, GRC and digital GRC, healthcare and life sciences, banking and financing services, and insurance. About Topa Insurance Company Topa Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Topa Insurance Group and a member of Anderson Holdings, offering insurance products across the wholesale market and enhancing agility, operations, and profit for continuous growth. Headquartered in Calabasas, California, it specializes in property, specialty and casualty insurance with writing commercial, personal lines, and programs since 1984. In addition, it helps businesses to grow and distribute commercial and personal insurance products through its network of insurance agents and brokers.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Covr and Smart Choice offer Digital Insurance Solutions to Myriad agencies

Covr and Smart Choice | January 25, 2023

On January 24, 2023, Covr Financial Technologies and Smart Choice announced that they have teamed up to make Covr Pro available to 9,500 Smart Choice agencies thereby, enabling independent advisers to access Covr's cutting-edge digital solution. Covr Pro is a digital platform for independent advisers that gives them a number of benefits, such as an easy-to-use interface, competitive pay, help with application intake, and full case management (including electronic signatures and document delivery). With industry-proven transporters, there is no output requirement, and access is also immediate. Ron Alexander, Covr President and Chief Innovation Officer, said, "Covr Pro offers instant access to leading technology and comprehensive support that streamlines insurance transactions and improves client experiences." He further expressed, "We're thrilled that our digital BGA solution is now available to Smart Choice agencies and their advisors to help grow their insurance businesses." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) Covr Pro also comes with expert help from the Covr team as well as self-service tools and real-time rates from top insurance companies. Independent advisers who aren't insurance specialists can direct clients to Covr Assist for assistance with all aspects of coverage. Joe Fisher, Chief Operating Officer of Smart Choice, remarked, "Smart Choice is thrilled to bring Covr's state-of-the-art digital insurance platform to our agencies." He further remarked, "Insurance solutions are an important part of building business, and the Covr Pro platform makes the process fast & simple." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Covr Covr is a web-based insurance platform that makes it simple to safeguard the relationships that matter most. The company's embedded insurance technology enables financial advisors and their clients to research and purchase insurance from well-known life insurance companies without the hassles of the traditional process and, in some cases, in a matter of minutes. This is made possible through partnerships with financial institutions and other national brands. About Smart Choice Smart Choice has over 9,000 independent agents and 100 insurance carriers. It is the only no-fee program that provides independent insurance agents with top-rated markets, product training, and sales and marketing support. The company supports and markets new, former captive, and seasoned agents. Meanwhile, its no-fee program gives Smart Choice Agents access to its bimonthly magazine and business solutions center.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

PCF Insurance Services Acquires Oak Point Risk Advisors

PCF Insurance Services | February 02, 2023

On February 1, 2023, PCF Insurance Services informed that it has acquired Oak Point Risk Advisors, a risk management and insurance agency for the construction, gas, oil, and maritime industries, to expand its capacity. This integration will bring a collaborative experience, an extended relationship with local clients, and accelerated coverage, pricing, and financial solutions for unique business risks. The reason behind its success is its data-driven strategies, innovation, standard practices, entrepreneurial mindset, strong local relations, and best customer experience. Its Agency Partners will harness its strong market, shared services, and more possible solution choices for clients. Founder, Chairman, and CEO of PCF Insurance, Peter C. Foy, said, "We are excited to welcome Oak Point Risk Advisors to our PCF Agency Partner network." He further added, "Oak Point is a growing agency with a unique and deep understanding of the risks businesses along the Gulf Coast face, and their expertise in mitigating risks in the hazardous industries that they serve will be invaluable to our partner network." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) President of Oak Point Risk Advisors, Ronny Sternfels, said, "At our very core, Oak Point Risk Advisors is a client service organization that prides itself on being a trusted advocate for our clients." He further added, "By joining the PCF Agency Partner network, we are empowered to build upon and expand our risk management and insurance packages to protect the workforce and business continuity of our clients." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About PCF Insurance Services PCF Insurance Services is a brokerage, risk management, and insurance services company that, through its Agency Partner network, has provided unparalleled financial solutions to its clients since 1987. It works in the fields of travel insurance, captive insurance, transportation insurance, home and auto insurance, professional liability insurance, marine insurance, sports and entertainment insurance, risk management, cyber liability, employee benefits, general and excess liability insurance, agriculture and crop insurance, commercial insurance, natural catastrophe insurance, shared services, an insurance agency network, mergers and acquisitions, workers' compensation, property, casualty, and surety bonds.

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